Book signing planned to celebrate Emporia State University’s history

April 1, 2013

An on-campus book signing is the next special event as Emporia State University celebrates its 150 years. Steven Hanschu compiled “Emporia State University: The Campus History Series,” which includes a foreward by Dr. Michael D. Shonrock, Emporia State president.

Hanschu will sign copies of the book from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Thursday, April 4, in Skyline Dining Room at the Memorial Union. Everyone who purchases the book (Arcadia Publishing, $21.99) and lunch in Skyline Dining that day will receive a 20 percent discount on the book plus a free dessert with their meal.

The book uses photos culled from University Archives as well as yearbooks to tell the 150-year history of Emporia State University. The project was a labor of love for Hanschu, reference and local history librarian in University Libraries and Archives, whose tenure at Emporia State stretches back 40 years to his time as an undergraduate.

In fact, Hanschu’s time as a student encompasses three of the university’s identities. Hanschu earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology/anthropology from Kansas State Teachers College in 1974, a master of library science degree in 1976 from Emporia Kansas State College — our name in 1974-77, and a master’s degree in history in 1978 from from Emporia State University.

Hanschu began working as a student library assistant in Spring 1972. He continued as a student employee until he was hired full-time in 1978.

Emporia State University is a dynamic and progressive student-centered learning community that fosters student success through engagement in academic excellence, community and global involvement, and the pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment.